Medical emergencies are frightening, and in Nigeria, navigating the emergency healthcare system can add to the stress. Knowing when a situation requires emergency care, how to access ambulance services, and what to expect at the hospital can make a critical difference in outcomes.
Recognising a Medical Emergency
Not every health concern requires a trip to the emergency room, but some situations demand immediate professional intervention. Seek emergency medical care for any of the following:
Life-Threatening Symptoms
- Chest pain or pressure that may indicate a heart attack
- Difficulty breathing that does not improve with rest
- Stroke symptoms including sudden numbness, confusion, or trouble speaking
- Severe bleeding that does not stop with direct pressure
- Loss of consciousness or fainting
- Seizures, especially if occurring for the first time
- Severe allergic reactions with swelling of the throat or tongue
Trauma and Other Emergencies
- Road traffic accidents with injuries
- Serious burns covering a large area
- Sudden severe abdominal pain suggesting appendicitis or bowel obstruction
- High fever in infants under three months old
- Complications of pregnancy including heavy bleeding or signs of premature labour
- Diabetic emergencies including ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycaemia
How to Access Emergency Services
Call for an Ambulance
The national emergency number in Nigeria is 112, which connects to the nearest emergency response centre. In Lagos, you can also reach the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) at 112 or 767.
Lonia Hospital provides ambulance dispatch services through the Lonia platform. Patients can request an ambulance directly through the app, and the system coordinates dispatch with real-time vehicle tracking.
When Calling for Emergency Help
Provide the following information clearly:
- Your exact location including landmarks and street names
- What happened in brief terms
- Patient's condition including whether they are conscious and breathing
- Your phone number so responders can reach you
While Waiting for Help
- Stay calm and reassure the patient
- Do not move the patient unless they are in immediate danger
- Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wounds
- If the patient is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side
- If the patient is not breathing and you are trained, begin CPR
What to Expect at the Emergency Room
Triage
A nurse assesses the severity of the patient's condition and assigns a priority level. Patients with life-threatening conditions are seen first.
Assessment and Treatment
A doctor examines the patient, orders necessary tests, and begins treatment to stabilise the condition. This may include medications, fluids, or oxygen.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
Once stabilised, the medical team determines the underlying cause and develops a treatment plan, which may involve hospital admission, surgery, or discharge with follow-up instructions.
Telemedicine for Urgent Non-Emergencies
Not every urgent health concern requires an emergency room visit. Many situations feel alarming but can be managed through a prompt consultation with a doctor:
- High fever in adults without other severe symptoms
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea without severe dehydration
- Minor injuries such as sprains or mild burns
- Sudden rashes without difficulty breathing
- Urinary tract infection symptoms
- Medication questions about side effects or interactions
An online consultation with a Lonia doctor can help you determine whether you need emergency care or can be managed at home. This saves hours in a waiting room and reduces unnecessary costs.
Being Prepared Before an Emergency
Preparation makes a significant difference:
- Know your nearest hospital and the fastest route to reach it
- Save emergency numbers in your phone, including 112
- Keep a basic first aid kit at home
- Learn basic first aid and CPR through a certified course
- Maintain a list of medications and allergies for each family member
- Download the Lonia app for quick access to consultations or ambulance services
When in Doubt, Act
The most important rule in a medical emergency is to act. If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, err on the side of caution. A quick telemedicine consultation can guide your decision, and if the situation is life-threatening, call for emergency services immediately.
For emergency care, visit Lonia Hospital or call for an ambulance through the Lonia platform. Your health and safety should never wait.